Did Ted Thompson step down as GM or something?
Merriman... Cromartie... Peppers... LT.... Trading top picks for players....

Every year, fans want this guy or that guy, this guy or the other.
Who here was salivating for Franky Walker 3 years ago? That's who he got us.
Who here was salivating for Brandon Chillar 2 years ago? That's who he got us.
Who here was salivating over Anthony Smith 1 year ago? That's who he brought us.

Now if any parallels come true between TT and Wolf, in this critical 6th year for TT, then TT will bring in a few key FA's. But I still do not expect it at all.

But our pass rush must improve for our team to have a chance at the Super Bowl. I'll be happy with a FA OT/CB and just give me Brandon Graham in the draft. That's a Christmas present right there. Matthews and Graham would race to the QB game after game.

I'm fairly confident in stating that I doubt any of the 5 happen. Cromartie possibly, but definitely not for a 1st or a 2nd and/or additional player. Maybe there is a new Ted we have yet to see, but it would be a complete 180 degree spin for him to unload cash on guys like Merriman or Peppers.

Every year, fans want this guy or that guy, this guy or the other.
Who here was salivating for Franky Walker 3 years ago? That's who he got us.
Who here was salivating for Brandon Chillar 2 years ago? That's who he got us.
Who here was salivating over Anthony Smith 1 year ago? That's who he brought us.

Now if any parallels come true between TT and Wolf, in this critical 6th year for TT, then TT will bring in a few key FA's. But I still do not expect it at all.

But our pass rush must improve for our team to have a chance at the Super Bowl. I'll be happy with a FA OT/CB and just give me Brandon Graham in the draft. That's a Christmas present right there. Matthews and Graham would race to the QB game after game.

Nothing wrong with playing smart. Its much more likely to find gold through the draft somewhere than over indulging on big time free agents who usually never live up to the hype.

Football truely is the same with baseball, you don't have to spend a lot to get a lot. Look at the Marlins they are in play-off contention every year and even have made it to the World Series and they don't spend anything. Anyone can go out and buy buy buy but that isn't what wins games its the smart decisions you make through the draft and bring in roll players.

Same with college football....Wisconsin, Utah, TCU, Boise St. they don't get the blue chips, they struggle to get any 4 star prospect but they bring in the right players that fit their mold and system. They don't need top notch recruits to compete. Many college programs get all these top flight guys and struggle to win 7 or 8 games.

I personally find smart managing the best way to go. I don't know, I'm a double major in Sports and Recreation Management and Business Administration so having study all areas of business and extensively the management of sports (Sports Law, Facilities,Programming, etc) for almost 4 years now ha I think it is just programmed into my brain. Don't take giant risk unless you know for sure there will be a high reward. For every great Woodson signing there are many more Joe Johnson (Packers), LaVar Arrington(Giants), Jevon Kearse (Eagles), Dion Sanders (Skins), David Boston (Chargers).

Kearse was sure fire, bullet proof signing for the Eagles and they paid him a good chunk a cash. Kearse in his first 5 season he ranked up 47.5 sacks taking into account that he missed almost one whole season with the Titans. So essentially 45.5 sacks in 4 seasons (11 a year). He went on two have to plus seasons to start out with with 7.5 each season then only 7 over the next 2 after that. Wasn't what they hoped for. Not horrible but good or worth the money.

Remember Woodson was our back-up plan, TT had a plan to spend and the guy he was already to pony up around 40+ million for is the classic reason not to throw money around. That guy who luckly turned us down for the Giants would be LeVar Arrington who did absolutely nothing for the G-Man and made them pay for it....it almost was us, thank god Green Bay isn't a sexy place for big name free agents.

Sooooooo here we have a team that could have gone undefeated if they wanted to this season and compete for a super bowl evey year and their biggest bang in free agency has been Vinatari and the superstar Hank Baskett (wait i mean the man with with the superstar playmate for a wife) over the last 3 seasons.

Not one of the core players that make the colts the colts were big team FA's but were drafted. Prime example of how to build a team right. Say no to big FA's, save money to spoil you core players, find suitable role players to build around core. TT has built this team right and need to continue to live and die through the draft and keep your core intact. If you sign free agents sign guys who can get the job done at a reasonable price.

Packers are close just need to hit on a few picks this year and keep their core signed.

Speaking of the Saints and what Gregg Williams defense has done the past 2 games to Warner and Farve: Am I the only one who wonders what our defense would have been like had he accepted Ted's offer first and been our DC this year???? I think our defense has more talent than that Saints one.

He's right, but A) it would mean nothing without one guy, Peyton Manning, B) that's one team out of 32.

Key Saints who weren't drafted by their teams:
*QB Deew Breesus*RB Pierre Thomas
TE Jeremy Shockey
*LB Jon Vilma
LB Scott Fujita
*S Darren Sharper
There might be more as I am not sure about their OL and DL guys.

*denotes stud performer.

Speaking of the Saints and what Gregg Williams defense has done the past 2 games to Warner and Farve: Am I the only one who wonders what our defense would have been like had he accepted Ted's offer first and been our DC this year???? I think our defense has more talent than that Saints one.

He's right, but A) it would mean nothing without one guy, Peyton Manning, B) that's one team out of 32.

Key Saints who weren't drafted by their teams:*QB Drew Brees
RB Pierre Thomas
TE Jeremy Shockey
*LB Jon Vilma
LB Scott Fujita
*S Darren Sharper
There might be more as I am not sure about their OL and DL guys.

*denotes stud performer.

Speaking of the Saints and what Gregg Williams defense has done the past 2 games to Warner and Farve: Am I the only one who wonders what our defense would have been like had he accepted Ted's offer first and been our DC this year???? I think our defense has more talent than that Saints one.

Brees was the only hig caliber signing out of those guys. Sharper wasnt a top notch signing at the time his deal was like 3/13 mil. Fujita is like the Chiller signing. Only 4 years-12 million, Shockey and Vilma were trades for draft picks. Shockey is always hurt and has not been the guy they traded for. Pierre was UDFA as mention before.

So only big signing in Brees, a couple of Prickett, Chillar type ones, few big hits in the draft and 2 trades (Vilma was well worth it, Shockey not so much)

It really has a lot to do with the QB, and luckly we have a premier one in Rodgers. We are only a few small pieces away.

I said he wasn't drafted. Just like Atari Bigby and Tyrell Sutton.
And James Harrison.
It's true. Honestly, teams can build and add good talent through alterior methods other than the draft. Ted's laid a great foundation here.

Saints Alive!
Them winning has to make the Vikings feel worse, as they really spanked the Saints around, IN New Orleans.

But I feel bad about something.
Sean Payton wanted to be our coach in 2006, and we had first crack at him.

Also, last year, we wanted Greg Williams as our DC, and he wanted to get our gig. But his family preferred he stay in the south so he took the Saints job after Sean Payton ponied up more money to match us.

Dammit. Both of those guys could have been ours. Things would have been different because I believe our D-personnel is more talented than the overall Saints personnel. But thanks to Williams scheme, they found ways to hammer Warner, Farve, and Manning whereas we couldn't. I think McCarthy's offensive mind is as good as Sean Payton though.

Anyway, congratulations New Orleans. I'm happy they finally got to feel a Championship! Next year, it's our turn down in Big D, over a revamped Steelers team.

Saints Alive!
Them winning has to make the Vikings feel worse, as they really spanked the Saints around, IN New Orleans.

But I feel bad about something.Sean Payton wanted to be our coach in 2006, and we had first crack at him.

Also, last year, we wanted Greg Williams as our DC, and he wanted to get our gig. But his family preferred he stay in the south so he took the Saints job after Sean Payton ponied up more money to match us.

Dammit. Both of those guys could have been ours. Things would have been different because I believe our D-personnel is more talented than the overall Saints personnel. But thanks to Williams scheme, they found ways to hammer Warner, Farve, and Manning whereas we couldn't. I think McCarthy's offensive mind is as good as Sean Payton though.

Anyway, congratulations New Orleans. I'm happy they finally got to feel a Championship! Next year, it's our turn down in Big D, over a revamped Steelers team.

Payton was the HC I wanted but I have no problem with MM, as for Williams..... Saints got takeways but so did the Packers, maybe not as much but still good for 2nd in NFL i believe. As for a defense, the Saints were not good, The take a ways are the only reason to consider them and okay defense. That Viking game is like every game for them, they get turnovers but that is all they offer. Capers defense overall runs circles around Williams Saint defense and it was much more them them to transition to. Packers got the better man.

Saints Alive!
Them winning has to make the Vikings feel worse, as they really spanked the Saints around, IN New Orleans.

But I feel bad about something.
Sean Payton wanted to be our coach in 2006, and we had first crack at him.

Also, last year, we wanted Greg Williams as our DC, and he wanted to get our gig. But his family preferred he stay in the south so he took the Saints job after Sean Payton ponied up more money to match us.

Dammit. Both of those guys could have been ours. Things would have been different because I believe our D-personnel is more talented than the overall Saints personnel. But thanks to Williams scheme, they found ways to hammer Warner, Farve, and Manning whereas we couldn't. I think McCarthy's offensive mind is as good as Sean Payton though.

Anyway, congratulations New Orleans. I'm happy they finally got to feel a Championship! Next year, it's our turn down in Big D, over a revamped Steelers team.

I remember reading that Greg Williams was our first choice for DC and I think McCarthy offered the position to him but he declined.

Didn't know about this Sean Payton thing though.

TT can't be blamed at all for either guy. It is not TTs fault that Williams turned us down last year.
And McCarthy over Peyton..... except for the Super Bowl, I think our offense is just as good, or real close. Those two are both offensive masterminds it seems like. Very smart.

The difference in our fortunes so far is on the defensive side of the ball. They beat the teams we couldn't beat, because their defense played a lot better. That falls NOT on McCarthy or Payton's shoulders, but on Capers and Williams shoulders, and LIS, Thompson swung after Williams first, and offered more money. You have to give TT some credit for that. Plus Capers turned is into a great run defense right away. Now if he can upgrade the pass rush and pass coverage, we can win Super Bowls. Yes with an S.

One thing I really notice is trends and people talk about TT and what he will or won't do based on the past. Just like every person smart enough to be a general manager he's not simple and he doesn't have a one track mind. He'll explore all options - draft, free agency, trades and execute when he thinks the benefits outweigh the costs.

Based on past trends, this is what I expect in the offseason:

Free agency! Expect us to be more involved than the last couple years and look closer at the cream of the crop. Playoff team and a franchise quarterback, cap room, and our last dip into free agency was Chillar 2 years ago. Expect us to be involved with some of the bigger names available. If we don't sign someone, then I'd expect contract extentions to get pushed through.

Trade back in the draft. We've always done it except for last year. We added 2 blue chip prospects but now we are back on the other side of the spectrum where we need to restock prospects. We need bodies on the offensive line and secondary badly and will probably look at some low risk/high reward prospects, particularly at OLB and RB in the mid/late rounds.

More news/info coming in on Julius Peppers. Besides NFL Network's Michael Lombardi's article about Ted Thompson needing to bring him in, I heard someone on ESPN Local radio down here in Dallas predict Peppers to the Packers. Can't remember if it was Rick Gosselin, or Randy Galloway...... but reading THIS, I don't see an chance he comes to Green Bay.

-- Julius Peppers no longer wants a long-term contract with Carolina Panthers, saying the Panthers have ignored him this offseason.

In an interview aired Tuesday morning on Charlotte radio station WFNZ-AM, the five-time Pro Bowl defensive end indicated he's irritated by the team's "silence" and has changed his stance on whether he wants to continue his career in Carolina.

"Last year, at the time, that was the option that I wanted most," Peppers said. "Now it's not."

Peppers bounced back with a career-high 14½ sacks in 2008, then announced he wanted to play elsewhere and pleaded with the Panthers to let him leave in free agency. He said Tuesday he wanted out because he was upset with the team's direction under then-defensive coordinator Mike Trgovac.

The Panthers could use the franchise tag again in 2010, but it would include a 20 percent raise. Peppers would be due $20.1 million, plus another $1.5 million Pro Bowl bonus and $250,000 for each playoff victory.

Carolina could use the franchise tag again and try to trade Peppers, but Peppers would almost certainly first have to agree to a long-term deal with that team.

Several clubs, such as Philadelphia and New England, could be interested.

That BOLDED part probably eliminates us from being on his list.
I would say that would make his affection for Trgovac pretty low. Although he'd work with Greene and Capers with us, not really Trgovac.

More news/info coming in on Julius Peppers. Besides NFL Network's Michael Lombardi's article about Ted Thompson needing to bring him in, I heard someone on ESPN Local radio down here in Dallas predict Peppers to the Packers. Can't remember if it was Rick Gosselin, or Randy Galloway...... but reading THIS, I don't see an chance he comes to Green Bay.

Yeah, I'm pretty sure the fact that he would have broke the bank at a position he doesn't play probably eliminated us. I don't know why it took you this long to realize this...

#1- it's the off-season and nothing happens for certain... until it actually happens. all we have for 3 months are ideas and speculation. i know of a website where a year ago most of the dudes tried to dismiss any talk about us converting to a 3-4 defense. they thought that since they convinced each other it was a bad idea, that it actually must be a bad idea and hence would not happen. then reality bit them. and it happened.

#2- michael lombardi's article is what brought this up in the first place. he's on the nfl network and has worked in front offices of actual NFL teams, so he knows more than i do. or even some of you guys.

#3- even though we never got randy moss, the rumors about him early on were true, and it grew..... and there really was a deal to be made and the raiders thought they had one with us.....

#4- stranger things have happened. reggie white was never going to sign in the village of green bay, when he could just pick the 49ers or redskins or even cowboys. lessons learned.... you never say never.